Pardew denies threatening to quit

Pardew led West Ham into the Premiership

West Ham manager Alan Pardew has denied threatening to quit the club in protest at a rumoured takeover.

Speculation continues to link Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian with a £70m buy-out, but Pardew denied he had to be talked out of quitting over the saga.

"I absolutely did not threaten to resign in any shape or form," he said on Wednesday in a statement.

"I have a good working relationship with the board and we are working hard to turn the poor results around."

West Ham, who were early season pace-setters, have drawn once and then lost five in a row since Argentine superstars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano were brought to the club in August.

The players came from Brazilian club Corinthians, who are in part owned by investment company MSI, who have previously been linked with a takeover of West Ham.

Joorabchian is a former employee of MSI and it has been claimed he played a part in getting the two players to the club.

Pardew's statement on Wednesday came through the club's public relations consultants Phil Hall Associates, who also represent Joorabchian.